Takanelite is a rare manganese oxide mineral typically found in low-temperature hydrothermal deposits. It is often identified by its dull, earthy to submetallic black appearance and is found as thin crusts or powdery aggregates rather than well-defined crystals.
Is this takanelite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch takanelite with a known reference. Takanelite sits at Mohs 1-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Takanelite leaves a brownish black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Takanelite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, crusts, coatings, earthy aggregates.
Often confused with
Takanelite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Takanelite leaves brownish black, Birnessite leaves brownish-black; luster reads submetallic on Takanelite and dull on Birnessite.
How to tell apart: Romanèchite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 1-2); streak differs, so Takanelite leaves brownish black, Romanèchite leaves shiny brownish black; luster reads submetallic on Takanelite and submetallic to dull on Romanèchite.
How to tell apart: Pyrolusite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 1-2); streak differs, so Takanelite leaves brownish black, Pyrolusite leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Takanelite and metallic on Pyrolusite.
Often found alongside takanelite
Minerals reported to co-occur with takanelite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn²⁺,Ca,Mg)Mn⁴⁺₄O₉·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Crusts, Coatings, Earthy Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Manganese Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find takanelite
Classic worldwide localities
- Takané mine, Japan
- Nunya, Japan
- Various manganese deposits globally
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal manganese deposits country, the host setting where takanelite typically forms. If you start seeing rhodochrosite, braunite, hausmannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, crusts, coatings, earthy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find takanelite on the map
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